Wyoming is getting its first major snowstorm

Wyoming’s first major snow storm of the season is expected to dump up to a foot of snow in the northern part of the state by Friday night. But meteorologist Mike Weiland says most of the state will see less -- only about 7 inches.

The storm front is moving down from the Pacific Northwest, bringing lots of moist, Arctic air with it. Weiland says October is typical for the first snow, but that it does tend to take people by surprise.

“The amount of snow and the winds, you know, might not seem like October when it does happen later tonight and tomorrow,” he says. “But by Sunday, it will be much warmer and dry.”

The saturated soil left behind by the rains storms in early September may warm the ground and lead to quick melting.